Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1887-05-14


lily. While many thoroughbred Mexican
sports scmbrero whose value is away up
in the hundreds, the ragged boy who
blacks your boots is the proud possessor of
one which cost him at least $50 "shines."
But the most stunning spectacle of all is
THE MEXICAN EQUESTRIAN
Horseback riding being the favorite amuse-
ment of the male population, the streets
are full of galloping cabGlleros particularly
in the cooler hours of morning and even
ing. An equestrian may easily spend
81 600 on his outfit-of course exclusive of
the horse he rides-and then find himself
eclipsed by many of his neighbors. First,
his magnificent silver-mounted saddle
costs all the way from 800 to $500; gold
mounted bride, S25; silver spurs of mar
velous size as much more; sword, $50 ;
the buttons of solid silver set in double
rows up his trowsers leg, $780, hat jew
eled whip, ct cetera, all his means will
allow.
Indeed, Solomon in all his glory was
never so arrayed; and if not, strictly
speaking, "a thing of beauty" he is some
thing to be admired and wondered al from
the crown of his head to the soles of his
feet. Generally he wears a short Jacket of
kid or tiger-skin, or one of cashmere,
heavily embroidered with gold or silver
thread, silken sash of pale blue, pink or
crimson, partially concealing the silver
mounted belt in which are a couple of re-
volvers, while the rows of buttons on his
trousers are linked together by little loops
and chains of silver which jingle as he
rides, like the adornments of that historic
lady who wore rings on her fingers and
bells on her toes, and like her he also has
music wherever he goes.
RidipU suits for srn oil hove frOp, q ,,oare
old and upwards, can be purchased here for
about $3.50, with full outfit from sombrero
to sword. And exceedingly comical q
black-and-tan youngster looks when thus
tricked out, huge spurs and all, as we fire.
quently see them riding beside their
worthy papas, or followed at respectful
distance by groom-the very miniatures
of their elders.
socIETY's DEGREES.
Mexican ladies generally take their ex-
ercise in closed carriages, as etiquette for
bids them to ride on horseback unless ac-
companied by husband, father or brother
For gentleman TO ask his first cousin to
go out with him, either on foot, on horse
or in carriage, would be resented as a
deadly insult, and give sufficient cause for
a duel, since to accept the invitation would
seriously compromise her good name.
moons are pleasant except during the rainy
season. everybody who owns carriage OF
is able to hire one, drives out to the Ale
mazda or Paseo-the fashionable boulevard
attached to every Mexican town. In all
Mexico there is not a phaeton, or any other
open vehicle above 4 cart; but though
Theoretically sealed up in closed carriages
one may catch glimpses of bright eyes and
beautiful faces-for the fair occupants are
not averse TO admiration despite their rigid
adherance to etiquette, and are generally
about the easiest creatures in the world c
fiirt with.
Many of the handsomest carriages of the
wealthiest people are drawn by mules, fol
blooded stock of that description brings
fabulous prices here. In truth pair oil
snow white mules. closely-clipped and care
fully groomed, decorated with gold mounted
harness and punches of red roses at the
base Of their ears, make a turnout by ne
means to be despised.- Mexican ladies ever
SHOP IN THEIR CARRIAGES,
! And compel the clerks to bring out to the
| curb-stone the goods they wish to look at
A row OF carriages jammed close together
before fashionable store, and a row Of
| bare headed statesmen bargaining with the
occupants, is common sight; while other
| clerks rush to and fro in frenzy of ex-
| element, bringing out box after box ant
| piece after piece of goods matching shades
samples and trimmings, etc
| None but servants and foreigners stanC
at the counters and buy. In a few OF thu
stores the merchants have fitted up private
| pariors where ladies may sit, if they like
and have the goods brought to them-bu
even this is considered questionable"
Shopping Is a serious undertaking here
re- nlpc 4,
| but keep silks and cottons, wollens and
linens mixed up together on their shelves
| in widest confusion. If You step into
store and ask for pair OF gloves, nobody
,, has any idea where the kind you require
are to be found, and grand search com
mences. The obliging clerks tumble ovei
| drawers in which are shoes and ribbons
| bustles. laces, perfumery and what not
until the desired articles are discovered.
| Nor are goods ever delivered by the mer
chants at the residence of the purchaser.
package is too bulky to take in your car
rlage land never, under any circumstances
would Mexican lady or gentleman be seer
with a bundle in his hands,, you pay car
| gddor to take it to your address. These Ii
censed carriers are similar to the distric
messengers of northern cities, except tha
these leather-aproned functionaries are al
ways men and never boys. The cargadors
fee is fixed by law. Each wears a bras.
badge bearing his number and if he doe:
not deliver his goods promptly and in gooG
order, you may report him to the police
and he will be heavily fined On the othel
hand, if he cannot find your residence, OF
| if there has been some mistake in the di
! rections, il is his duty to take the packag,
to police headquarters, where you may re
cover it on proving property.
FANNIE B. WARD.